I'd like to thank the Academy and Wanda

OK, maybe not the Academy but I couldn't resist the dumb joke!  I just crack myself up sometimes! My sweet blog friend Wanda, sent me this award just when I needed a little pick me up. (She is pretty good at that!) Life has been a bit overwhelming lately with the passing of my father and waiting and attending his memorial service. It was yesterday and I will say it went very well. A few comical moments include a speaker phone that was more of a distraction than anything. No music for one hymn and music that couldn't be sung to for another. A man who introduced himself to me and said, "How did you know Bob (my dad) ?" My biggest smile comes from the fact that I rejoice that my father is now in heaven. The message was a fitting one. It focused on God's grace and how everyone of us is undeserving yet we all get an equal helping of it. Nothing to split up and quarrel over, it is a free gift for all of us. He also spoke of 3 "F" words to remember (good ones)!   Faith-  Is it possible to release all our fears and failures to God? Yes it is. Give it a try, He will bless you beyond your wildest dreams. I have died, but Christ lives in me. And I now live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave his life for me. Galations 2:20 
Forgiveness- This is a huge hurdle to conquer but once we do, it is so healing. God continues to forgive us every time we stumble and we should do the same. Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?“No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!"  Matthew 18:21-22
Focus- Keep your eye on the prize! Jesus wants us to focus on Him and the multitude of blessings we have. Don't be distracted by the storms in life. Because what we are focused on will consume us. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Hebrews 12:1-2

Wow, Where did that come from? I just intended to write about my award from Wanda. I guess yesterday's message is still rolling around in my head. I loved some of his points so much I wanted to stand up and shout "Amen!" Maybe that's the Baptist coming out in me! (another dumb joke.)

I am supposed to pass the award to 6 other blog friends. Go visit their blogs and say "hi" if you don't know them!

Karen

Nicole

Denise

Sarah

Cheryl

Sandy